Luke 24:7

Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

Luke 24:7 (KJV)

Context

These are the words of the angels at the empty tomb, spoken to the women who came with spices on the first day of the week. The angels remind them of what Jesus had told them while He was still in Galilee: that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise again the third day. The women then remembered His words (Luke 24:8), showing that the resurrection was not an unexpected event but the fulfillment of Christ’s own prophecy.

Meaning

The word “must” (Greek: dei) carries the weight of divine necessity. This was not fate or mere tragedy; it was the predetermined plan of God for salvation. The Son of man, a title that connects to Daniel 7:13-14 and speaks of both Christ’s humanity and His divine authority, was delivered into the hands of sinful men. This delivery included His betrayal by Judas, His trials before Jewish leaders and Pilate, and His crucifixion by Roman soldiers—Gentiles whom Jews considered sinners. The cross reveals both the depth of human sin and the boundless love of God, who allowed His Son to be handed over so that sinners could be saved.

The crucifixion and resurrection are central to the gospel. The cross broke the power of darkness and delivered believers from spiritual captivity. The resurrection on the third day vindicated Jesus as the righteous Lord and conqueror of death, sin, and hell. This is the bedrock of Christian hope, assuring believers of their safety, righteousness, and eternal deliverance through the Son of man who suffered, died, and rose again.

Biblical connections

Jesus had repeatedly predicted His suffering and resurrection (Luke 9:22, Luke 9:44, Mark 9:31). The angels’ words echo these predictions, emphasizing that the cross and resurrection were always part of God’s redemptive plan. The title “Son of man” also points to Daniel’s vision of a Messianic figure with everlasting dominion (Daniel 7:13-14), affirming both Christ’s humanity and His divine authority.

Application

This verse calls believers to trust in the certainty of God’s plan, even when circumstances seem contradictory. Just as the women remembered Jesus’ words and found them true, believers can rely on His promises. The authentic Christian life is a response to Christ’s sacrificial love: the cross purifies, and the resurrection empowers. Believers are called to proclaim the risen Christ, living as those who have been freed from sin and death.

Reflection

The resurrection is not merely a past event but a present reality that shapes the believer’s life. It assures us that God’s purposes cannot be thwarted by human sin or evil. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in every believer, enabling holy living and steadfast hope. Let this truth inspire repentance, worship, and confident witness to the risen Lord.